Exhaust Manifold Restoration
 

To all you restoration shops & members;

What is the best method to treat cast iron exhaust
manifolds to prevent rust and maintain a raw cast look,
(without burning off) [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/dunno.gif[/img]

Thanks in advance, Dicky [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/flag.gif[/img]

Re: Exhaust Manifold Restoration
 

I sand blasted mine first then sprayed &quot;VHT&quot; High temperature paint with one coating and baked them in my BBQ to 450 degrees. Did a second coat and put them in the BBQ a second time and 2 years later they look better than any of my friends job they did with much more expensive alternatives. Note &gt;&gt;&gt; put a sheet of foil paper on the BBQ before placing the manifolds in there. First photo is 2 years ago and second photo is a current photo after 1800 miles. So far no surface rust or burn off.

Re: Exhaust Manifold Restoration
 

I second this method. I have baked on high temp paint using only one coat and it works pretty darn well. I think the key is the slow bake at 450. Makes for an incredibly hard surface.

Re: Exhaust Manifold Restoration
 

send them to Central Connecticut Coatings. Ask for Gene. He will explain the ceramic coating with the GM natural cast grey overlay. I've done about 10 sets and each one is mint. Will not oil stain or blemish.

Dan

Re: Exhaust Manifold Restoration
 

Ok you BBQ chefs, tell me, since we're not baking
chocolate chip cookies; what VHT paint color are we using &amp;
how long are we keeping the manifolds in the cooker?? [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/dunno.gif[/img]

MosportGreen66 (Dan), does the finished powder coat resemble
a bare metal finish? I did look at the Connecticut web site
but not sure if it looked like raw casting.

Thanks you guys for the help DH [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/flag.gif[/img]

Re: Exhaust Manifold Restoration
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Dicky</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Ok you BBQ chefs, tell me, since we're not baking
chocolate chip cookies; what VHT paint color are we using &amp;
how long are we keeping the manifolds in the cooker? </div></div>

See Photo for what I used. CSP998 Cast Iron. There are detailed instructions on the back of the can how to bake the manifolds.
As far as the 450 degrees goes I would wait till the BBQ hit 450 degrees and then leave it for 5 to 10 minutes as this paint cures rather quickly. Let it dry to cool again then do a second light coat and repeat cooking this meat for your motor. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img]
So far I have Zero surface rust bleeding through. Total cost was under $10 plus my labour which was no big hurt.

Re: Exhaust Manifold Restoration
 

Found a photo of my manifolds right after I was finished

Re: Exhaust Manifold Restoration
 

Thanks Danny. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img]

Dicky [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/flag.gif[/img]

Re: Exhaust Manifold Restoration
 

Dicky, I don't like the photos on the website either but my photos were taken with a flash and aren't the best. Really good value...

Dan

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...psf0503015.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...ps04e2a3f5.jpg

Re: Exhaust Manifold Restoration
 

Well Dan, I like them both, &amp; since my car is
a driver not a concours resto I'll
do the &quot;paint cook&quot; approach, then consider
CCC, if my expectations are not met.

Great responses thanks.
Here's what I'm working with. You can see the rust
beginning.

DH [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/flag.gif[/img]

Re: Exhaust Manifold Restoration
 

In 2005 i sent my BBC exhaust manifolds to Jerry M. to have them &quot;reskinned&quot;. Got them back and they were a white looking
coating. I quess ceramic with a can of the VHT paint like shown above. Followed the directions painted them and baked them
I drive my car quite a bit and they still look great with no rust at all. I would recommend Jerry M.

Richard

Re: Exhaust Manifold Restoration
 

The white looking coating on manifolds done by Jerry is actually a very thin coating of aluminum. He's done several sets for me and they look as good now as the day I painted and installed them.

Dave

Re: Exhaust Manifold Restoration
 

I have used the POR-15 exhaust manifold paint on several sets over the years and I've been happy with it. I sand blasted the manifolds, cleaned them with a rag soaked in metal cleaner, then baked them for about 15 minutes at 350 degrees to burn off the metal cleaner, then brushed them with the POR-15.

I did this on my '62 409 back in 2001 and they still look very good. I just did the set on my Nova, picture attached. The paint is a little darker looking than the VHT cast iron paint, but it sure looks in my opinion.https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...-16611-044.jpg

Re: Exhaust Manifold Restoration
 

I think the cleaning and prep work on the exhaust manifolds is half the battle...I have also used the POR product with good results.

wilma

Re: Exhaust Manifold Restoration
 

Shot peen and por 15 manifold paint. lasts a few years and touch up is easy. Costs under 35.00 total to do a pair.

Re: Exhaust Manifold Restoration
 

I will agree on the POR with a little different application method. I heat the inside of the tubes with a low flame from my torch in between coats, and let them cool. I shoot it on with an old Binks 7. I add a very small amount of laquer thinner to the POR until the last coat. Then I thin it out a fair amount, turn up the pressure, and stand back and dust it on to get a cast texture, and to get the micha to stand up and get that cast look, and feel.

In many cases, you need to experiment with the application ie: spraying distance, to get the correct look, and feel. Just applying the paint material per instructions some times isn't enough. FWIW

Re: Exhaust Manifold Restoration
 

Thank you ALL [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/youguysrock.gif[/img] for the great
responses. This gives me plenty of options.

Much appreciated. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img]

Dicky [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/flag.gif[/img]

Re: Exhaust Manifold Restoration
 

Here's another photo I dug up with the smog system on before installation for my 70 SS 454 LS6. Good luck with what ever you choose Dicky [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img]

Re: Exhaust Manifold Restoration
 

Also if you have the original heat riser on your passenger side you can copy the un seen trick I did to mine.
I grinded off the flap and drilled a tiny hole to insert a cotter pin in the stud so it does not slide off the spacer. The heat riser still works but I have a free flow right away when I start the car. You don't have to do it but I did.

Re: Exhaust Manifold Restoration
 

I used Slip Plate on my Chevelle manifolds which were done about 4 years ago and they still look great!! It is a good product.. I just cleaned the surface really good and sprayed them down with the Slip Plate.. This stuff is great for touch ups as well. Just spray some on a brush and brush it in and it blends perfectly. You can't tell where you touched it up...

Rich

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/j...icture4015.jpg

Re: Exhaust Manifold Restoration
 

Great information.

Looks like several great options.

Strange, I see ugly rusty manifolds all the time:-(

Ryan

Re: Exhaust Manifold Restoration
 

Well Archie, [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/hmmm.gif[/img] does that graphite rub off on
your hands? Not that any one would be touching it.
It sure looks nice, thanks for the picture; Dave.

Dicky [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/flag.gif[/img]

Re: Exhaust Manifold Restoration
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Dicky</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Well Archie, [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/hmmm.gif[/img] does that graphite rub off on
your hands? Not that any one would be touching it.
It sure looks nice, thanks for the picture; Dave.

Dicky [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/flag.gif[/img] </div></div>

It only rubs off after I leave Kelsey's Bar after a beer... [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/haha.gif[/img]

It can rub off if you really work at it but to answer your question, seriously I have touched it changing spark plugs and it really does not effect it..

Archie or &quot;A Bunker&quot; [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/haha.gif[/img]

Re: Exhaust Manifold Restoration
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ryan1969Chevelle</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Great information.

Looks like several great options.

Strange, I see ugly rusty manifolds all the time:-(

Ryan </div></div>

I still say a light rust is correct. Glass bead, vibratory tumble, and let nature take it's coarse. I'm in the 1% .... Rust is right.

BIG

Re: Exhaust Manifold Restoration
 

&quot;Rust is right&quot;

Good line.

Maybe 0.5%

Ryan

Re: Exhaust Manifold Restoration
 

Maybe!


BIG [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/cool.gif[/img]

Re: Exhaust Manifold Restoration
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 68l30</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ryan1969Chevelle</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Great information.

Looks like several great options.

Strange, I see ugly rusty manifolds all the time:-(

Ryan </div></div>

I still say a light rust is correct. Glass bead, vibratory tumble, and let nature take it's coarse. I'm in the 1% .... Rust is right.

BIG </div></div>

https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...7-dscf3504.jpg
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...8-dscf3482.jpg

Re: Exhaust Manifold Restoration
 

Wow NOS rust...is it date code correct oxidation?

Ryan

Re: Exhaust Manifold Restoration
 

Thanks for the pic Mike.

I always say, &quot;Pretty is not always correct&quot;. Some of the components are painful to look at, but very correct for a restoration. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/scholar.gif[/img]

Way too many cars have been done with pretty painted manifolds, it's becoming the norm and what is expected today, Sadly, incorrect.



BIG

Re: Exhaust Manifold Restoration
 

And it's becoming boring [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/dunno.gif[/img]
The light rust on a Trailer Queen will continue to look fine, when you take moisture out of the equation. After that car was run a few times it looks even better now, and just a hint of orange left behind.
Stop and take a look @ SLS 6.5 [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img]

MIke

Re: Exhaust Manifold Restoration
 

But guys look at Dicky's original first post. He is not asking what is the correct proper factory set up for manifolds.

He asked

&quot;To all you restoration shops &amp; members;
What is the best method to treat cast iron exhaust
manifolds to prevent rust and maintain a raw cast look,
(without burning off)&quot;

Re: Exhaust Manifold Restoration
 

Paint them or treat them = modification.

Return them to &quot;as cast&quot; = Restoration.

Apples and oranges...clear as mud right? Do what makes you happy and enjoy your manifolds. Life's too short..


BIG

Re: Exhaust Manifold Restoration
 

Yeah - I always say that I'm going to do the factory correct overspray on the intake &amp; exhausts of my next restoration. Then when the time comes - I can't bring myself to ruin that &quot;clean&quot; Look of no overspray. To each his own is right IMO. The restorers like Mike have to do it the &quot;correct&quot; way though - his work is outstanding.

Re: Exhaust Manifold Restoration
 

When I rebuilt my LS6 two years ago I was going to do that original Orange over spray look but I could not convince myself to go ahead and do it and settled for the cleaner look as I personally like it that way. No one gives a damn about that look here in Canada anyways and we don't have any quality judged car shows were originality is judged by a points system. It truly is a lost art here in Canada as car shows are dominated by modified cars here anyways even though I love bone stock original restored cars IMO. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif[/img]

Re: Exhaust Manifold Restoration
 

I don't think it matters what anyone else thinks about it. All that matters is whether you want the car to present itself as it was built or better than that. Do you want to bring it back to &quot;as delivered&quot; so future generations can see an example of what the assembly plant produced or do you just want more points and perfection?

It's not about &quot;you&quot; (the owner); it's about the car itself and whether its history is preserved or not. The car will be around a long after you are gone (and I use &quot;you&quot; in a general sense, not pointing to any one person)

That's just my outlook and I'm sorry if that upsets anyone.

Verne [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/flag.gif[/img]

Re: Exhaust Manifold Restoration
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: XXXBlackLs6M22</div><div class="ubbcode-body">When I rebuilt my LS6 two years ago I was going to do that original Orange over spray look but I could not convince myself to go ahead and do it and settled for the cleaner look as I personally like it that way. No one gives a damn about that look here in Canada anyways and we don't have any quality judged car shows were originality is judged by a points system. It truly is a lost art here in Canada as car shows are dominated by modified cars here anyways even though I love bone stock original restored cars IMO. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif[/img] </div></div>

Let's start the Canadian MCACN 2.0 Bob Ashton mentioned he loves it up here, and he probably has tonnes of time to run another car show:-)